What is Shamanism ?

We all come from the communal tent, and we are all part of the Infinite One. It is so beneficial to remember this humbling truth, so we can drop the illusion of separation and live in harmony with each other and with other life forms. This knowing is the backbone of ancient spiritual practices and encourages a sense of personal responsibility.

The practice of shamanism may take different forms depending on your cultural belief system. In its most basic, it is an exchange of energy. Shamanic practice may connect us with fragmented parts of ourselves, or it may release us from misplaced energy. It’s goal is cohesiveness and alignment.

In my many years of practice, I found that when you are guided to do your own shamanic work with yourself, you end up achieving long lasting integration and wholeness. I invite you to stay open to what is possible.

Express your feelings

'laugh, and the world laughs with you
weep, and you weep alone'
we do not know how to listen to each other
so our sorrow makes us solitary

we have forgotten what babies are born knowing
that when they hurt they must express their feelings
or they will keep hurting
now we cry alone,
uncomforted and ashamed

we need understanding
and we need acknowledgement
which are almost impossible to ask for
but are as easy to give as breathing

love is another word for this
not trying to fix, change, analyse, or judge
just listening, and accepting,
and reflecting something back

we must go first
give what we most need
see what happens when we give that love,
how something in the person changes, shifts

how their breath
comes easy
again

A poem by Richard Whelan, a herbalist from NZ.

Drum painted by Imelda Almqvist, 2015